Wives and Champions

by Tina Martin

  After she played with Grace until she tired her out, Melanie lowered her sleeping beauty in her crib then, downstairs, she got comfortable on the couch with her laptop.

  “Ah,” she said, exhaling. “Finally. Some mommy time.” Every mom needed her own personal time as far as she was concerned. Life could very easily overwhelm mothers, especially being the primary caregiver of their children and all.

  Melanie kicked up her feet on the coffee table and crossed them at the ankles. She opened her laptop, browsed around on social media and beauty blogs before checking her email.

  She reached for her cell phone to call Dimitrius when she saw a text message from a number she didn’t recognize:

  828-555-7970: you owe me an explanation.

  Melanie frowned. Whoever it was must’ve had the wrong number. She replied back:

  Melanie: Sorry. Think you have the wrong number.

  828-555-7970: no, I have the right number, Melanie.

  She snapped her head back. This person knew her, but she had no idea who this was. Was this a joke? Somebody playing around on her phone?

  Melanie: Who is this?

  828-555-7970: scott

  She froze. Scott? After all this time, he’d kept her phone number? And what did he mean she owed him an explanation? She didn’t owe him anything. Well, maybe a slap across his stupid-looking face, but nothing more.

  Melanie: Don’t know why you’re texting me, but don’t send me anymore messages.

  828-555-7970: you owe me an explanation.

  828-555-7970: you told me you couldn’t have children and now you have a daughter

  Melanie: And you have a wife and child, so why are you texting me?

  828-555-7970: you know it was supposed to be us.

  Supposed to be us? Anger surged through her veins like a wild electrical current. He couldn’t be serious. It was supposed to be us? What was it? And why was he referring to them as us?

  828-555-7970: the reason we broke up is because you apparently lied to me…told me you couldn’t have children and then low and behold you have a baby with that Champion dude

  828-555-7970: was this all planned? I mean, if it was, I can’t fault you…the guy is loaded, so I heard. Guess money trumps love.

  The more she read, the more her blood pressure elevated.

  828-555-7970: one thing is for certain…he’ll never have your heart like I had it. No man will. Joke’s on him.

  Melanie dropped her phone on the couch cushion and buried her face in her hands. Why was she letting him get under her skin? She knew why. He broke her heart, and he was her first love. Her first everything. Everyone remembered their first love. And it’s not like she sat around daydreaming about Scott. She didn’t. Dimitrius was more man that Scott could ever be. Still, she remembered the good times she and Scott had together. He was a part of her life once upon a time…

  Melanie picked up her phone and texted him:

  Melanie: I’m trying to be nice. Stop texting me, Scott.

  828-555-7970: tell me why you lied.

  Melanie: I didn’t lie. My daughter is a miracle and I’m glad I had her with the right man. A faithful, loyal man and not one who runs off like a little boy when things don’t go his way. I love my husband. Stop texting me!

  828-555-7970: if you love him so much, why do you still wear that necklace I gave you? You had it on at the museum last Saturday. Guess you don’t hate me that much. You wake up in the morning and put on that necklace. Must mean something.

  Melanie touched her neck, her fingers gliding downward until they caught on the gold necklace Scott had given her.

  Crap!

  How had she forgotten Scott had given her that gold necklace? Maybe because it was so plain-looking. Ordinary and thoughtless. There wasn’t anything special about it. It was just a necklace.

  Melanie snatched the necklace from her neck. She jumped off the couch and swiftly walked to the kitchen where she tossed it in the garbage can. Just like Scott, the necklace meant nothing to her, and she hated the fact that she’d forgotten he had given it to her. Had she known, she would’ve tossed it a long time ago.

  Chapter Ten

  Desmond sat next to Sherita in the patient waiting room. The nurse had just left after checking Sherita’s temperature and blood pressure.

  “You nervous?” he asked, tightening the hold he had on her hand.

  Sherita smiled uncomfortably. “A little.”

  “It’ll be fine. We’ll just tell her what’s been going on with you lately and see what she suggests.”

  “Okay.”

  Dr. Julianne Knighton opened the door and said, “Well, hi there, Mr. Champion.”

  “Hi, Dr. Knighton.”

  “I wasn’t expecting to see you, too,” she said extending her hand to his, shaking when he accepted her grasp.

  “I needed Desmond to come with me for moral support,” Sherita said.

  “Good. That’s very noble of you, Desmond. A lot of men would totally freak out with these kinds of visits.”

  Desmond chuckled. “I can handle just about anything when it involves the woman I love.”

  Sherita felt her heart turn to mush when she looked at him. She smiled, certain that her appreciation for him showed through her eyes.

  “How are those beautiful twins of yours, by the way?” Dr. Knighton asked.

  Sherita’s face lit up. “They’re doing good. Getting big and are very energetic.”

  “Wonderful. Glad to hear it. They’re so adorable.”

  “Thank you,” Desmond and Sherita said together.

  “Now, let’s cut to the chase. Tell me the reason for your visit today?”

  “Well…um, I…ah…” Sherita said, struggling to get the words out.

  “Take your time, sweetheart,” Desmond said before he threw his arm around her, resting his hand on her shoulder and gently rubbing her there.

  “I think I may be having some postpartum issues.”

  “Okay. Can you describe your symptoms for me?”

  “Yes. Lately, I’ve been feeling very irritable. Um…it’s difficult for me to concentrate. I’m always worried, anxious and mad. I feel like I cry a lot…more than I’ve ever cried in my life. I just…I don’t feel like myself anymore.”

  “Are you home with the babies during the day?” the doctor inquired.

  “Only on Mondays. I work Tuesday through Friday and the twins are with my mom and the nanny, but I feel guilty when I’m not there with them.”

  Dr. Knighton nodded. “It’s natural to feel that way, but at the same time, Sherita, you need a break from the babies.”

  “I know.”

  “And that’s not a bad thing, so try not to feel guilty about it. And while we’re on the subject of you needing some mommy time, do you think you’re getting enough sleep?”

  “No,” Sherita and Desmond said together. They both laughed.

  “How many hours would you say you’re sleeping per night?”

  “Oh, gosh. Um…four, maybe, and that’s if I’m lucky.”

  “Your rest is going to be very important especially since your body needs that reenergizing to work and adjust to being a mother.”

  “But, that’s the thing. Being a mother is what has me losing sleep.”

  Dr. Knighton smiled. “Trust me, with three pre-teens at home, I feel your pain, but you have to give your body time to rest. I think you’re overdoing it.”

  Sherita nodded.

  “You may need to consider cutting your hours back…something you and Desmond can work out. It’ll help you out a lot.”

  “Okay,” Sherita said, glancing at Desmond.

  “Are the babies sleeping through the night?” the doctor inquired.

  “No,” Desmond answered. “Sherita is constantly up and down during the night. I try to help, but she doesn’t want me to get up with her during the night since I work full-time.”

  “And not only that, the babies want milk,” Sherita added. “I’m their milk suppl
ier.”

  “Right, because you’re breastfeeding,” Dr. Knighton said, looking at Sherita.

  “Yes.”

  “Well, constantly getting up throughout the night is quite challenging, but the babies should be sleeping throughout the night by now. They are six, going on seven months, correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m sure they’re eating rice cereal now, right?”

  “They are,” Desmond said.

  “So, after you’ve given them warm baths, feed them milk and rice cereal. You may need to make it a little thick, but not too thick. That’ll help hold them until the morning. Also, how long were you planning on breastfeeding the babies?”

  “As long as I can,” Sherita replied. “It’s best for them, right?”

  “It is, but what I’m concerned about is getting your blood pressure down. Sherita, according to your blood pressure reading today, you’re approaching stage one hypertension. You need to get that down as quickly as possible and whatever life changes you need to make to get that done, do it ASAP. Otherwise, I’ll have to prescribe some high blood pressure medication for you.”

  “It’s that bad?” Sherita asked.

  “I’m afraid it is.”

  “So are you telling me to stop breastfeeding?”

  “Well, if it’s adding to your frustration and anxiety, yes. I am. I know you love your children and while breastfeeding is beneficial for them, having their mother around is even more of a benefit.”

  Sherita swallowed hard. Blinked away tears.

  Desmond strummed his fingers across her back.

  “So here’s what we can do. I’m going to write you a prescription for the anxiety.”

  “What are the side effects?” Desmond asked.

  “The pills can cause drowsiness.”

  “But she’s already fatigued. Now she has to deal with drowsiness?”

  “I understand your concern, Desmond, but patients whom I prescribed the medication haven’t complained much about drowsiness.”

  “Okay,” Desmond said.

  “I think it would be beneficial to try it at least for a month. If you feel that the side effects are too much, we’ll talk about other options.”

  “Does that sound okay, sweetheart?” Desmond asked Sherita.

  Sherita nodded.

  “And take some time to relax,” Dr. Knighton said. “Being a new mom is stressful, especially when you have twins. It’s vital to take some time for yourself. Try to take a hot bath twice a night, listen to some soft music and enjoy a nice dinner on occasion–just the two of you. Desmond, I’m going to hold you accountable for that.”

  “You hear that, Rita. She’s holding me accountable, so when I send you to get a massage and run a bath for you, you have to oblige.”

  “I will,” Sherita said.

  Desmond strummed her back again.

  “And that reminds me of something else I need to discuss, Dr. Knighton,” Sherita said.

  “Sure.”

  “It’s embarrassing, but here goes. Desmond and I haven’t been intimate since the babies and it’s all my fault.”

  “You’re afraid of getting pregnant again,” Dr. Knighton said.

  “I am,” Sherita admitted.

  “That’s common. I mean, think about it. You’re stressed out already and having to worry about accidentally getting pregnant adds even more stress.”

  Sherita looked at Desmond and then back at the doctor. “Right. And the thing is, I’m not opposed to having more children. I just don’t want more now. Maybe when the twins are a little older.”

  Desmond smiled. What a relief it was to hear her say that because he wanted more children.

  “So, in the meantime, I was thinking about a more long-term method of birth control and I’ve been doing some research on intrauterine devices.”

  “What’s that?” Desmond asked, eyebrows raised, looking at Sherita.

  Dr. Knighton chuckled. “Intrauterine devices or IUDs are these little T-shaped devices, made out of a flexible plastic material that’s inserted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy.”

  “Is it safe?” Desmond asked.

  “It is safe. Of course, there are some women who can’t use the device, but Sherita certainly qualifies. All you would have to do, Sherita, is make an appointment.”

  “Here?”

  “Yep. Right here. I would be the one doing the procedure. It’s a simple office visit.”

  “Is it effective?” Sherita asked.

  “It is. The IUD prevents pregnancy for up to five years.”

  “Wow,” Desmond said. “So let’s say we wanted to have another baby in three years.”

  “Then, we will remove the device just as easily as we put it in.”

  “Sounds easy enough,” Desmond said. “What are you thinking, Sherita?”

  “I’m thinking it sounds like a good idea.”

  “Well, let me get this prescription written up for you, and then when you check out, you can make your appointment for the IUD procedure.”

  “Okay. Thanks, Dr. Knighten.”

  “No problem.”

  Dr. Knighton walked out of the room and Desmond turned to Sherita. “Had no idea you were going to bring up something about us and intimacy issues.”

  “I know. Sorry. I should’ve warned you.”

  “No need to apologize. It just caught me off guard.”

  “It’s just that, since the babies, I know I’ve been standoffish and avoiding you and I want you to know that it’s not you. It’s me.”

  Desmond smiled, squeezed her closer to him. “I know, baby. We’ll take it one step at a time, all right?”

  “Okay.”

  “Now kiss me. You can’t get pregnant from kissing.”

  Sherita smiled, looked at him and pushed her lips against his. After their lips interlocked several times, she pulled back and whispered, “I love you.”

  “I love you too, baby.”

  “Thanks for coming here with me. I know how important your work is to you. For you to take the day off means a lot to me.”

  “Sweetheart, nothing’s more important to me than you and my children.”

  Sherita smiled, kissed him again and the two stood up, preparing to leave.

  * * *

  Desmond sent the nanny home early. He nearly had to beg Sherita to take a nap, reminding her of what Dr. Knighton had said. Finally, she caved, much to his delight, and he focused his attention on the twins. He fed them at the same time. After changing their diapers, Nolan fell asleep, sleeping as soundly as his mama. Desmond took him to his crib.

  Celeste, on the other hand, clung on to Desmond, bright-eyed and beautiful, attentive to his every movement.

  “You’re not going to go to sleep anytime soon are you, little girl?” Desmond asked her. “That’s okay, though. You’ll just have to come with daddy to his office. You want to come to daddy’s office?”

  Celeste smiled while kicking her legs.

  Desmond grinned. “I’ll take that as a yes.” He pulled out his chair and logged into his home computer, using only his right hand. Browsing through his emails, he saw a few from Phyllis and an urgent one from Dimitrius. He grinned. Dimitrius usually marked all of his emails as urgent as noted by the exclamation mark next to the subject line:

  ! URGENT: Need your take on this ASAP

  “Look, Celeste. Uncle Dimitrius has sent yet another urgent email. You see this?”

  Celeste smiled again.

  Desmond smiled too, then kissed her soft cheek. “Let’s see what’s so urgent.” He double-clicked the email to open it:

  From: Dimitrius Champion

  To: Desmond Champion

  Cc: Dante Champion; Kurt Hempstead

  Subject: ! URGENT: Need your take on this ASAP

  Met with Dante today regarding Grieving Hearts Connect…

  A while ago, Steven mentioned there was a market for vacationers wanting to reserve rooms at the resort even though they don’t specifical
ly fall into the scope of GHC. While we know GHC serves a purpose to the grieving community, we are taking a hit during the fall and winter months. So, taking the feedback from Steven, we are exploring the possibility of GHC opening up to the general public, but Dante is concerned about the impact of what this would mean for people who are GHC members. He doesn’t want to compromise the integrity of GHC by basically letting anyone in. Wondering if you had any ideas on how to spin this as a grief retreat and a “normal” vacation resort. Let me know your initial thoughts.

  Thanks,

  Dimitrius Champion | Accounts Executive

  The Champion Corporation

  _________

  “Okay, so we’re back to this issue again,” Desmond said in a monotone. “They’re trying to give your daddy gray hairs, Celeste. Do you see what they’re doing to me?”

  Celeste reached out and grabbed Desmond’s bottom lip in her little grasp as he keyed an email reply:

  From: Desmond Champion

  To: Dimitrius Champion

  Cc: Dante Champion; Kurt Hempstead

  Subject: Re: ! URGENT: Need your take on this ASAP

  Give me a few days.

  Thanks,

  Desmond Champion | Director of Marketing & Business Relations

  The Champion Corporation